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Match Preview: Basingstoke Town (Away)

Posted on Wednesday, December 25th, 2013 at 09.02.

‘Boro make the short journey down the M3 on Boxing Day (Thursday), to The Camrose, to take on local rivals Basingstoke Town in an eagerly awaited Hampshire Derby. (Skrill South League Fixture – Kick off 3pm)

* UPDATE (26/12/13 – 10:10am) – NO PLANNED PITCH INSPECTION

‘Boro Camp

Spencer Day’s men have won once on their travels so far this season, so will be looking to get back to winning ways by halting a run of form that has seen them suffer three consecutive defeats.

A win for ‘Boro would see them leapfrog opposition Basingstoke, and propel them into the top half of the table if other results fall their way. The festive period sees ‘Boro play 3 fixtures in the space of a week (Basingstoke away, Havant home, then Basingstoke home), so your support is needed more than ever as we look to collect 9 points from the three games, to put us a step closer to securing Conference South football for another season.

Goalkeepers Kevin Scriven and Matt Lovett are ruled out through Injury, and Adam Doyle sits out through suspension, as he serves the first of his three match ban.

Opposition Camp

An inconsistent start to the campaign sees Jason Bristow’s Basingstoke occupy 11th place, with 5 of their 8 victories coming on home turf.

In their latest League outing, Basingstoke were defeated 5-3, in an eight goal thriller at Bishops Stortford, and remain 5 points off the play-off zone.

Previewing the game, Jason Bristow told the Basingstoke Gazette:

“We will be disappointed if we lose any game, so the target for us has to be nine points from the three games if we want to get back to where we want to be.“It’s crucial for us. We need to pick up a lot of points in the next couple of weeks.“It’s a good opportunity for us to do that and get ourselves right back into the pack near the top of the table, where we want to be.“Our home record is quite good and we are looking at it as a winnable game. Last year, we lost there on Boxing Day and then won 6-2 at home. Hopefully, we can make sure that the game is just as entertaining this year.”

Familiar faces in the ‘Stoke line-up will be David Ray and Kezie Ibe (both ex. ‘Boro), who will be joined by new team mate Louie Soares. ‘Basingstoke bolstered their squad on Tuesday, with the signing of midfielder of Louie Soares, 26, who was released by league rivals Hayes & Yeading United recently.’ Supporters may re-call Soares scoring against ‘Boro in October, as Hayes & Yeading inflicted a first home league defeat for ‘Boro.